Hunter-Gatherer Tribe Theory

Hunter-Gatherer Tribe Theory

Why do MBTI types even exist in the first place? Why did it become necessary in our genetic evolution for our bodies and minds to become shaped in a certain cognitive function line?
What benefits are there for an INTJ to have dominant introverted intuition with auxiliary extraverted thinking while an ESTP has extraverted sensing and introverted thinking. Why don’t we have all the functions easily available to us? Here is my theory, which I’m calling Hunter-Gatherer Tribe Theory.

1) Being strong in one area and weak in another forces collaboration among humans. For us to be able to take over and get more done with the synergy of our combined forces, we need to be able to work together. While an INTJ may have a knack for foresight, their common inattention to the physical world can be compensated for by the ESTP with a just do-it style, and can help each other. Imagine living in a hunter-gatherer tribe, where the INTJ plots how to catch the next prey and assists while the ESTP leads the expedition. It is important that each member of the tribe has diversified skills and cognitive functions, to help ensure a greater likelihood of survival. Being deficient in certain cognitive functions can lead to weaker communities.

2) Unique cognitive functions and environmental growth gives a niche to each person, making them indispensable. If we were good at all our functions from the onset, it doesn’t make for much variability in our gene potential. It would make us weak if everyone was similar. Encouraging gene variation among humans with different cognitive functions is healthier for us as a race overall since it makes us less susceptible to sickness, bad habits/choices, etc.

3) Assuming Hunter Tribe Theory was true, what is the optimal percentages to have of each cognitive function among people? What are the implications of having more or less of a certain type in society?
Studies have shown that ISxJ and extroverted sensing types are the most common in society. But is this the result of an efficiently functioning society or a social system that has allowed certain MBTI types to thrive? Perhaps the optimal level is dependent on the societal structure itself.

This post has spurred more questions than answers, and that’s because there is not a lot of information out there. Hopefully, we’ll figure the answers out soon enough. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?